Lions Maurice Morris to fill RB Smith's role

Now that Lions running back Kevin Smith (knee) is on injured reserve, backup Maurice Morris steps into the starting role. He has had only 42 carries this season -- only four over the past three games.

"I'd like to see Maurice be able to get those carries," offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said. "He hasn't had a lot of carries this year, mostly as that second role. He basically gets everything that Kevin was getting."

Rookie Aaron Brown probably will continue to be a change-of-pace back. Brown has struggled with mental mistakes on offense and special teams. He was just benched as the kickoff returner after botching a play Sunday at Baltimore. But Linehan said he had been working hard at tailback and in the slot.

"He's got to get himself ready to play a significant amount of plays," Linehan said.